Institute skipper looking at manager’s job

Institute's captain Paddy McLaughlin. Picture by Lorcan Doherty/Presseye.com

Expressions of interest should be made to club chairman Bill Anderson by calling: 028 71375214 and the new appointment has to have a UEFA B licence and deadline for applicants is 5pm on Friday, May 22.

The club is hoping to appoint a new manager by the end of the month and after having a meeting with the first team squad last night, the Waterside men are hoping those players will give them a few weeks to get a manager in place, before deciding their futures.

Stute also thanked both Robbie Hume and Michael McCrudden, who have departed for Ballinamallard United, for their services to the club over the years and hope to see them back at the Riverside Stadium in the future.

One man who has expressed an interest in the job is last season’s skipper Paddy McLaughlin.

The centre-back has the necessary coaching documentation to manage in the Championship.

“I was very disappointed having been relegated last season,” he said.

“Obviously that has not been a good experience for the young players at the club and having thought long and hard about my own future, I intend to throw my hat into the ring to see what develops as it’s important that the players who were there last season should be encouraged to remain in place.

“The loss of key players didn’t help us last season but I think there are enough youngsters about the club to challenge in the Championship next season.

“Having played with them all, I believe there is potential there, so it’s important that a new manager is appointed sooner rather than later.

“I think I’m now old enough and wise enough to know the score at Institute.

“Given the small level of support, the club will have to be run on a shoe-string budget but therein lies a challenge.

“I may be older than most of the players at the club and while I think I’ve led the team as best as I could as captain, maybe now it’s time for me to cut my teeth as a manager.

“I think Institute would be the perfect club for me to do just that, but we’ll have to wait and see what develops.”